Novelists, screenwriters, playwrights, storytellers — the Rice alumni community includes many notable Owls who have made their mark on the world with the written word. This newsletter celebrates that legacy by featuring alumni writers and their inspired — and inspiring — creative works in a fun, online quiz. Click here to take the quiz and test your Owl authors knowledge! Once you’ve completed it, be sure to share your score with Rice alumni on Facebook or Instagram. Have you recently read a book authored by a Rice Owl? Tell us about it at the alumni stories page for a chance to be featured on the Rice alumni website!

As we turn the page from fall to winter, I’m reminded of the bold step our university has taken in announcing The Rice Investment. Now one of the nation’s most generous financial aid programs, The Rice Investment honors our university’s legacy of investing in students of all backgrounds. I was deeply heartened by the outpouring of support for this initiative within and well beyond the Rice community.

Rice University and its Jones Graduate School of Business have the No. 3 graduate entrepreneurship program in the U.S. and No. 1 in Texas, according to the 2019 rankings announced by the Princeton Review and Entrepreneur magazine. This marks Rice’s third year in a row in a top 3 position nationally and the 10th year in a row the school has been ranked in the top 10.

“Ideas are easy. Execution is everything.” That was the message conveyed by engineer, acclaimed venture capitalist and Rice alumnus John Doerr in a public talk at the university on Dec. 4 on “Measuring, Finding and Developing Successful Tech Innovations to Change the World.” Doerr is the author of recent New York Times best-seller “Measure What Matters,” a handbook for setting and achieving audacious goals.

A piece of the legendary Maltsberger family now lives on at Rice University’s Fondren Library, which has received a $2 million endowment from the estate of John “Terry” Maltsberger III. The gift is being used to fund the expansion of the library’s innovative Fondren Fellows program, a student experiential research program that has generated significant results since its creation in 2016.

His Royal Highness Prince Charles honored Rice Space Institute Director David Alexander, a professor of physics and astronomy, as an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire on Nov. 21 at Buckingham Palace. Alexander’s appointment was part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours List, which recognizes exceptional achievement and service to the U.K.

One of the best seasons in Rice volleyball history came to a close on Nov. 29 with the Owls dropping a 3-1 decision (25-23, 22-25, 22-25, 25-27) to Texas State in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament at the University of Texas' Gregory Gymnasium. Rice won the C-USA regular season title for the first time in program history as well as the C-USA Tournament, in addition to their fifth straight season with 20 or more wins.

2018 was good to Rice. Our community celebrated the exciting groundbreakings of the Midtown innovation district, a new music building and a new home for the School of Social Sciences. We announced the Rice Investment because we believe that talent deserves opportunity, and we unveiled the Vision for the Second Century, Second Decade (V2C2) to guide Rice’s vision and plan for the next 10 years. We’re looking forward to all that 2019 brings!

This winter, join fellow Rice alumni, friends and family for festive food and drinks in celebration of the holidays! There are events happening throughout January, so visit the Rice Alumni Holiday Parties webpage to see the schedule and to register for an event near you.

Introducing the new Rice Portal, a resource where alumni can access a suite of online services that allows you to keep in touch with other Owls and engage with the university. Whether you’re looking for a classmate, registering for an event, or sharing an update about your life or career, you can find the tool you need at the new Rice Portal. Simply go to riceconnect.rice.edu to sign up for an account, or visit alumni.rice.edu and click on the “Rice Portal” link to get started.

Help Rice undergraduate students gain a professional edge by serving as a career mentor during spring break! Owl Edge Externships are one- to five-day job-shadowing externships designed to help students explore career options and gain a realistic perspective of your industry. Sign up today to host a student (or group of students) during spring break, March 11–15. The registration deadline is Jan. 15. Don’t have time to commit to a one- to five-day externship? Volunteer for an informational interview (in person or via phone) or lunch meeting.

Thank you to all who attended Rice Homecoming & Reunion! With nearly 1,600 alumni, family and friends gathered on campus to reconnect at over 70 events, the weekend was a true celebration of the Rice community. Relive the good times at the Rice University Flickr page.

When it comes to alumni-to-alumni professional networking and connecting with Rice students in support of their professional development, Sallyportal is the gift that keeps on giving! Log in today and connect with Owls in your field or who share your interests. Simply click on the Connect tab and search by keyword, company name, residential college, etc. If you haven’t created an account yet, it’s simple: Sign up using your LinkedIn account or email address.

In support of the Vision for the Second Century, Second Decade (V2C2), the Association of Rice Alumni invites you to share your feedback and suggestions relative to online learning resources for Rice alumni. Please take a few minutes to complete the virtual engagement survey by clicking here. Your responses — along with work being done in partnership with Rice Online — will help inform plans to enhance the virtual reach and impact of the university.